Wisconsin Salmon Fishing

All about fishing for Atlantic, chinook, coho, kokanee and pink salmon in WI.

Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are the primary waters for salmon fishing around Wisconsin. The tributaries flowing into these lakes also contain salmon at varying times of the year, especially during the spawn.

By clicking on the images and links above, you will be taken to a page offering more information about the selected species.

Lake Michigan was home to the Wisconsin state records for chinook salmon, coho salmon, Atlantic salmon and pink salmon. The WI record kokanee salmon was taken out of Upper Bass Lake

About The Pacific Salmon Family

Pacific Salmon are born in and remain in freshwater streams for the early years of life. The number varies by species. Afterward they migrate to the Pacific Ocean waters where they bulk up and prepare for their once in a lifetime spawning run up the freshwater stream where they were born. They will instinctively return to their birthplace, spawn and die. They are found in the streams which empty into the ocean, and adjoining ocean waters.

The preferred method for catching salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies. For more details check here for articles about fly fishing.

Learn the life cycle of salmon

The more you know about the life cycle and seasonal migration of salmon, the more likely you are to be looking in the right area next time you visit Wisconsin salmon fishing waters. Visit the salmon fishing page for more information about the life cycle of the different species of salmon.

Contribute WI Salmon Fishing Knowledge

If you have information, articles or photos relating to salmon fishing in Wisconsin, which you would like to see published here, please submit them for consideration.